Physical Activity Effects on Blood Parameters, Growth, Carcass, and Meat and Fat Composition of Portuguese Alentejano Pigs

This study evaluated the effects of physical activity on blood, growth, carcass, and meat quality of finishing Alentejano (AL) pigs. Pigs, reared from ~87 to 160 kg in individual pens (no exercise area, NE group, n = 9) or in an outdoor park (with exercise area, WE group, n = 9), were fed commercial diets (85% ad libitum). WE pigs were in a park (~400 m2) with a feeding area separated from the drinking area with an automatic waterer, forcing pigs to walk at least 800 m daily. Blood samples were obtained during the trial (weeks 2, 11, and 18) and at slaughter. The left-side carcass was submitted to commercial cuts, and samples from loin, tenderloin, and dorsal subcutaneous fat (DSF) were analyzed. Plasma urea in WE pigs was higher in weeks 2 and 11, while cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol and LDL- to HDL-cholesterol ratios, and cortisol were lower in weeks 11 and 18. Final weight and average daily gain were higher and feed conversion ratio lower in WE pigs. DSF thickness and carcass weight were higher in WE pigs, leading to higher carcass yield. Finally, loin and tenderloin from WE pigs presented higher total protein content. These data show that allowing physical activity affects metabolism, growth, and carcass and meat quality of AL pigs.

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Effect of BioPlus YC Probiotic Supplementation on Gut Microbiota, Production Performance, Carcass and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11061581 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1581

Author(s):

Artur Rybarczyk ◽

Elżbieta Bogusławska-Wąs ◽

Alicja Dłubała

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Subtilis ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Bacillus Licheniformis ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Production Performance ◽

Probiotic Bacteria ◽

Control Group ◽

Production Traits ◽

Feed Conversion

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on microbiological properties of feed mixtures and on the digestive tract content as applicable to production traits and carcass characteristics of fatteners. The experiment was performed on 83,838 fatteners from four successive (insertions) productions in two groups. From the seventy eighth day of age till marketing to the slaughter plant, the pigs were supplied with BioPlus YC probiotic (Chr. Hansen) in the amount of 400 g/t. The preparation contained a complex of probiotic bacteria Bacillus licheniformis DSM 5749, and Bacillus subtilis DSM 5750 spores in a 1:1 ratio. From the fourth insertion, after reaching a body weight of approximately 112 kg, 60 fatteners were selected from each group to measure carcass quality and half of them for meat quality evaluation. Moreover, microbiological analyses in feed and colon were performed. The study showed that BioPlus YC probiotics supplementation resulted in a significantly higher count of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis in the feed, a higher count of B. subtilis, B. licheniformis and LAB, as well as a lower count of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Clostridium and Bacillus sp. in the mucosa and in the colorectal content of the test pigs. Our work has shown that supplementation with the BioPlus YC probiotic had a positive effect on the production traits of pigs mainly by reducing mortality (2.83%, p = 0.010), lowering feed conversion ratio—FCR (2.59 kg/kg, p = 0.013), better average daily gain—ADG (0.95 kg/day, p = 0.002) and shorter fattening period (77.25 days, p = 0.019) when compared to the control group (4.19%; 2.79 kg/kg; 0.89 kg/day; 92.8 days, respectively). The addition of the specific Bacillus bacteria did not influence carcass and meat characteristics of the test fatteners.

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Fatty acid profile, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore steers following supplementation with various lipid sources

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an15149 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 57 (6) ◽

pp. 1170 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Isabela P. C. Carvalho ◽

Giovani Fiorentini ◽

Josiane F. Lage ◽

Juliana D. Messana ◽

Roberta. C. Canesin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acid ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Linseed Oil ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Practical Significance

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the fatty acid composition of meat and subcutaneous fat, carcass traits and meat quality of Nellore steers fed diets supplemented with various lipid sources. Forty-five young bulls, with average bodyweight of 441 ± 30 kg, were allotted into 10 paddocks, with five treatments, each consisting of two paddocks. The bulls were randomly assigned into one of the following five treatments, which consisted of four lipid sources: palm oil (PO), linseed oil, rumen protected fat (soybean-based oil), whole soybean, and a control (without additional fat). Trial duration was 120 days, which included 30 days of adaptation. Supplements were offered daily at 10 g/kg bodyweight per day. Dietary supplements for providing additional fat were formulated to consist of 10% ether extract. Lipid sources did not significantly affect the average daily gain (P = 0.797) or dressing percentage (P = 0.663). Supplementation with PO increased the concentrations of lauric acid (P = 0.036) and myristic acid (P < 0.001) in the muscle and subcutaneous fat. Animals supplemented with linseed oil had significantly higher concentrations of conjugated linolenic acid in the meat (P = 0.036) and fat (P = 0.049) than did control animals. In the present study, the use of various lipid sources in dietary supplements of grazing cattle during finishing period did not affect carcass traits or physical attributes of beef. This absence of statistical significance may be related to the minimum number of repeat paddocks (2) per treatment. Thus, differences that can have a practical significance were not evidenced by statistical analysis. The inclusion of PO and protected fatty acids derived from soybean oil (rumen-protected fat) is not recommended as a method to improve the lipid profile of meat and subcutaneous fat of Nellore cattle.

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Effects of Long-Term Gentle Handling on Behavioral Responses, Production Performance, and Meat Quality of Pigs

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10020330 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 330 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Chao Wang ◽

Yongjie Chen ◽

Yanju Bi ◽

Peng Zhao ◽

Hanqing Sun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Production Performance ◽

Control Group ◽

Carcass Quality ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Significant Difference

In order to investigate the effect of gentle handling on the behavior, performance, and meat quality of pigs from weaning to slaughter, 144 6-week-old weaned hybrid Min piglets (a native breed) were selected and divided into a handling group (HG: 9 pens × 8 pigs) and a control group (CG: 9 pens × 8 pigs). After 6 weeks of handling, we observed and then evaluated the pigs’ responses to a handler with behavioral scores. Moreover, we measured heart rate and production performance. Three pigs were randomly selected from each of the 18 pens and divided into a handling group (HG: n = 27) and a control group (CG: n = 27), and the HG pigs were given gentle handling until slaughter. Subsequently, we evaluated meat quality and the production performance of six pigs from each group. The results show that AA test (approaching–avoidance test) scores in HG pigs, the number of contacts with the handler and absence of contact with the handler, were significantly higher than in the CG pigs (p < 0.01). The occurrences of avoidance and looking at the handler were lower in the HG than in the CG group (p < 0.01); however, heart rate was not found to be significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.63). No significant difference was found in the average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio between the two groups during the two periods (p > 0.05). The b* value was determined 45 min after slaughter, and it was significantly lower in the HG than that in the CG group (p = 0.002). Furthermore, 2 h after slaughter, the L value of the HG group was significantly higher than that of the CG group (p = 0.047), but no difference was observed in carcass quality or other meat quality indicators between the two groups (p > 0.05). The results indicate that gentle handling could reduce pigs’ anxiety and increase their willingness to approach the handler, increasing the intimacy of the pigs and handlers. However, long-term gentle handling had little effect on pig performance, carcass quality, and meat quality.

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The Effects of Decreasing Dietary Crude Protein on the Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and Meat Quality of Finishing Charolais Bulls

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9110906 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 906 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Cortese ◽

Segato ◽

Andrighetto ◽

Ughelini ◽

Chinello ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Daily Weight Gain ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Gross Margin ◽

Low Protein ◽

Dietary Crude Protein ◽

Feed Conversion Rate

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of decreasing dietary crude protein (CP) on the performance of finishing Charolais bulls in the Italian rearing system. Animals were fed two diets, differing only in the CP level (low protein (LP), 13.5% CP versus control (CON), 15.0% CP). Dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) and animals’ weights were recorded to obtain average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR). Feed and fecal samples were collected to evaluate digestibility of diet components. Daily cost of the ration (DRC), feed cost per kg of daily weight gain (CDG) and daily gross margin (DGM) were calculated to analyze the possible benefits of decreasing the protein level. Meat quality analyses were also conducted. Higher DMI (10.6 versus 10 kg/d; p < 0.05) and ADG (1.47 versus 1.36 kg/d; p < 0.05) were observed for CON. No differences in FCR or digestibility were found. Even if the DRC was lower (p < 0.05) for the LP diet (2.26 versus 1.97 €; CON versus LP), no difference was reported for CDG and DGM. Meat lightness and redness were significantly lower and higher in the LP, respectively. To conclude, the CP requirement in these rearing conditions appeared to be higher than 13.5%.

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Nutritional effects pre-weaning on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of pigs

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an18368 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (7) ◽

pp. 978

Author(s):

Hong Chen ◽

Yan Liu ◽

Hui Li ◽

Zhengfeng Fang ◽

Yan Lin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serum Concentration ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Suckling Period ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Restriction

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nutritional restriction during the suckling period on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality of fattening pigs. A one-way experimental design was used. In total, 24 male pigs of normal birthweight (1.54 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly allocated at 7 days of age to three groups: control, fed ad libitum; 30% nutritional restriction (Re30%); and 60% nutritional restriction (Re60%). The Re30% and Re60% groups showed decreased average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio from Day 7 to Day 28. After Day 28, differences in these parameters were observed only in the Re60% group relative to the control. With regard to hormone levels, the Re60% group showed decreased serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 at Day 28 and increased serum concentration of growth hormone at Day 147. Furthermore, the Re60% group had decreased carcass weight, ham weight and dressing percentage, and increased carcass lean percentage relative to the control, as well as lower cross-sectional area and myofibre diameter of muscle. The Re60% group had lower levels of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) IIx and MyHC IIb mRNA and a higher percentage of MyHC I and MyHC IIa mRNA in longissimus dorsi muscle than the Re30% group. In conclusion, nutritional restriction during the suckling period decreased weaning weight, with post-weaning growth performance, carcass traits and myofibre type affected in the Re60% group rather than Re30% group.

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Dry residue of cassava as a supplementation in broiler feed with or without addition of carbohydrases

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n4suplp2641 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (4Supl1) ◽

pp. 2641 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jomara Broch ◽

Ricardo Vianna Nunes ◽

Vladimir De Oliveira ◽

Idiana Mara da Silva ◽

Cleison De Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Broiler Chickens ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Breast Meat ◽

Carcass Yield ◽

Linear Effect ◽

Blood Glucose Concentrations ◽

Water Holding

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of dry residue of cassava (DRC) with or without supplementation of carbohydrases on performance, carcass yield, cuts and organs, blood parameters and meat quality of broiler chickens. Birds were distributed in a completely randomised design in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with or without addition of carbohydrases and five levels of DRC inclusion, resulting in 10 treatments with 5 replicates of 22 birds each. At 21 days of age, two birds of each treatment were fasted for 6 hours for blood brachial puncture. At 42 days, four birds per pen were slaughtered to determine carcass yield, cuts, organs, percentage of abdominal fat and meat quality. Between 1-21 days of age, there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between carbohydrase and DRC supplementation on weight gain (WG) and feed intake, which showed a decreasing linear effect without the inclusion of carbohydrases. In the period from 1 to 42 days, there was an interaction (P < 0.05) between carbohydrase supplementation and DRC inclusion on the variables WG and feed conversion. Carbohydrase inclusion provided an increase (P < 0.05) in the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, gamma GT and blood glucose. Concentrations of gamma GT were increased and levels of alanine aminotransferase and creatinine were decreased (P < 0.05) with DRC inclusion. At 24 hours post mortem, there was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) for breast meat between carbohydrase supplementation and DRC inclusion for the variable L. The analysed values of pH, water holding capacity and shear force of the breast meat were not affected (P > 0.05) by DRC inclusion and carbohydrase addition. However, cooking loss was influenced (P < 0.05) by levels of inclusion of DRC. The L and a* variable and the feet of broiler chickens were not affected (P > 0.05) by DRC levels and carbohydrase addition. The colour variable b* showed a decrease (P < 0.05) from 5% level of inclusion. The results of this study show that DRC can be used in the diets of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days old to the assessed level of 10%, provided that carbohydrase is added.

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Leucine levels in low protein diets for pigs in the initial phase

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n6p3829 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (6) ◽

pp. 3829 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Marcela Diaz Huepa ◽

Marcelise Regina Fachinello ◽

Lucas Antonio Costa Esteves ◽

Vinicius Ricardo Cambito de Paula ◽

Silvia Leticia Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Protein ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Blood Parameters ◽

Backfat Thickness ◽

Quadratic Model ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Longissimus Dorsi ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Plasma Urea ◽

Protein Diets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine levels in low crude protein diets on Performance, backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth and biochemical blood parameters of starting pigs. A total of 50 pigs, with initial weight of 11.14±0.24 kg; were distributed in a randomized blocks design with five treatments (1.10; 1.25; 1.40; 1.55 and 1.70% SID leucine), five replicates and two animals per experimental unit, comprised for a barrow and a gilt. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced (P=0.018) due to the increasing SID leucine levels, without affecting other growth performance parameters (final weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth and lean meat percentage). There was a quadratic effect for plasma triglyceride (P=0.049) and plasma urea (P=0.001). The optimal SID leucine levels obtained for triglycerides and urea were 1.16% and 1.24%, respectively, by associating the quadratic model with the Linear Response Plateu. Low crude protein diets with SID leucine levels up to 1.70% improved the feed conversion with desired urea and triglycerides concentration in blood plasmas achieved at 1.16% and 1.24%, respectively.

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Effect of Fresh Citrus Pulp Supplementation on Animal Performance and Meat Quality of Feedlot Steers

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11123338 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3338

Author(s):

Santiago Luzardo ◽

Georgget Banchero ◽

Virginia Ferrari ◽

Facundo Ibáñez ◽

Gonzalo Roig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meat Quality ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Conversion Ratio ◽

Feed Conversion Ratio ◽

Animal Performance ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Feedlot Steers ◽

Citrus Pulp

The use of fruit by-products such as citrus pulp represents a feeding ingredient that deserves to be evaluated as an energy source in animal rations. Thirty-six British breed steers were allotted to one of the three feeding treatments (12 steers/treatment): 0%, 15% and 30% of fresh citrus pulp inclusion in the ration in a randomized complete block design to evaluate animal performance and carcass and meat quality traits. In the present study, the inclusion of fresh citrus pulp up to 30% of the diet did not affect the animal average daily gain (p > 0.05) but steers that were fed the pulp consumed less feed (p < 0.05) and presented a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) than their counterparts without citrus pulp in their diet. No effect of fresh citrus pulp was observed on carcass and meat quality (p > 0.05). A greater lipophilic antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) in meat was observed when fresh citrus pulp was offered at 15% of the diet. Fresh citrus pulp used up to 30% as a feed ingredient in feedlot rations does not negatively affect animal performance or meat quality but, rather, has a positive effect on dry matter intake and a better feed conversion ratio.

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PSII-23 Meat quality of Santa Inês lambs slaughtered at different backfat thickness

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz122.300 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 170-170

Author(s):

Edson Luis de A Ribeiro ◽

Francisco Fernandes Jr ◽

Camila Constantino ◽

Fernando Augusto Grandis ◽

Natália Albieri Koritiaki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

The Other ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Final Body Weight ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Santa Inês ◽

Daily Gain

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and meat characteristics of castrated and intact Santa Inês male lambs slaughtered at three different thicknesses of subcutaneous fat. Thirty-four lambs, approximately 3 months of age, 19.37 ± 3.73 kg of body weight were used. Four weeks prior to the experiment, half of the animals were castrated. Lambs were further divided into three groups, according to the criteria for slaughter: fat thicknesses of 1, 3 and 6 mm; measured with an ultrasound equipment. All animals received the same diet. Criteria of 1 and 3 mm were achieved after 39 and 84 days in feedlot. As the criterion of 6 mm was not attained up to 130 days of confinement, lambs were slaughtered at that time, with 4 mm of fat thickness. Fat thickness measured with a caliper on the carcasses were 0.87, 3.11 and 3.60 mm. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between sexual conditions and slaughter criteria. Average daily gain was similar (P > 0.05). Among criteria (average of 0.267 ± 0.052 kg/day). However, final body weight (29.94 ± 2.03; 40.42 ± 2.67 and 53.85 ± 2.03 kg) and feed conversion (4.17 ± 0.39; 4.71 ± 0.43 and 6.01 ± 0.39) were different (P0.05) among criteria, panelists found that lambs slaughtered with 3.6 mm of fat thickness were less (P < 0.05) desirable. Average daily gain (0.283 ± 0.013 vs 0.247 ± 0.012 kg) was greater (P < 0.05) for intact than castrated lambs; however, the meat of intact lambs was less desirable. The other traits were similar for both sexual conditions. We can conclude by the performance and meat results that it is better to slaughter Santa Inês lambs with 3 mm of fat cover, and for the best acceptability of the meat the lambs should be castrated.

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Effects of different forms of soybean lipids on enteric methane emission, performance and meat quality of feedlot Nellore

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s002185961800045x ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 156 (3) ◽

pp. 427-436 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

R. A. Silva ◽

G. Fiorentini ◽

J. D. Messana ◽

J. F. Lage ◽

P. S. Castagnino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Soybean Oil ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Methane Emission ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Enteric Methane ◽

Subcutaneous Fat Thickness ◽

Dietary Treatments ◽

Supplemental Fat

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of different forms of soybean lipids on enteric methane emission, intake, performance, digestibility and meat quality of 40 young Nellore bulls (initial body weight (BW) 444 ± 10.2 kg and 24 ± 2.1 months). The dietary treatments were as follows: NF = no dietary additional fat (46.0 g ether extract (EE)/kg diet), SO = soybean oil (62.0 g EE/kg diet), SB = soy beans (without any processing; 62.0 g EE/kg diet) and RPF = rumen-protected fat based on soybean oil (62.0 g EE/kg diet). The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was greater in the SO diet than those fed with NF. The SO diet decreased digestibility of NDF when compared with the NF and RPF diets. The diets did not affect digestibility of DM, OM, CP or emission of enteric methane. Animals fed with SO had greater average daily gain and feed efficiency in relation to the other diets tested. The SO diet increased hot and cold carcass weights and subcutaneous fat thickness of carcasses when compared with the NF diet. The proportions of saturated and unsaturated, mono and polyunsaturated, and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were not affected significantly by treatments. The SO diets were demonstrated to be more beneficial for animal performance compared with diets without supplemental fat.

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